The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1887-04-21
THE LAST FIGHT.
An Interesting Sketch by a 10th n. y. Cavalry
man.

nan.
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: ] can indorse
what Comrade Shepley, Co. NJ, 9th Ohio Cav,
says about the engagement Of April 9, 1865.
The Third Brigade of Gen. Crook Division of
cavalry was attacked that morning by Lees
infantry and driven back. There were so many
Of them with Comrade Shepley scratching
gravel TO the rear that was ordered by Gen.
Crook to head them of and try and rally them
behind the fence at the edge of the woods.
About the last man j halted was a Sergeant.
lie had only turned his horse around when he
was shot through the heart. / believe he was
the last man of the Army Of the Potomac killed
by the enemy in action.
] turned TO stop some others, and looking
back in the woods ] saw a corps of colored
troops lying on the ground. i did not endeayor
90 stop any more, as ] was anxious TO see
whether the colOred troops would fight
nOby" or not. But the Johnnies only came
about halfway across the open field then halt
&c and marched back. Soon after ] rejoined
the General. and he started toward Appomattox
Courthouse.
As we went over the field where the engage
ment took place a few hours before, looked TO
the left and saw a man lying on the ground.
rode out TO him and found one OF the enemy.
Some one had written his name on a slip of
paper and placed IL just inside of his jacket.
The slip stated that he was a minister's son
from South Carolina. The young man said he
was wounded through the spine and could not
be moved, neither could he get well. and that
he was in great pain. lie begged me 10 shoot
him aud end his misery. ] told him that ! was
too tender hearted 10 do that. Then he asked
for the loan of my revolver, so that he could
shoot himself j had TO refuse him again. and
/ told him 10 keep up good courage; that some
one would soon come aud see TO him.
Let me mention an incident here which
shows the care and kindness that Gen. George
Crook had for subordinates under him. Soon
/ after rcjoined the General we came 10 guard
I OF infantry that was formed around Appomat-
] tox Courthouse, with instructions not 10 allow
\ anyone TO pass except Major Generals with one
staff officer and one Orderly There were two
of us 0rderlies. and as the other had come with
! the General from the Eighth Corps told him
! 10 80 and j would remain until they returned.
! When the General dismounted at the Court
house he said 10 Mai Weir, Where is Will
liRmsf" The Major answered that the officer
OF the guard would not allow but one Orderly
20 pass. The General said TO the Major, You
/ 90 back and tell the officer that j want Will
liams." The officer hestated, but finally passed
me in. ] rode up TO the General and, saluting
him. asked him if he wanted me. He said no
and that i should go back where the boys were
and keep my eyes open. j shall forever hold
/ Gen. George Crook in grateful remembrance
for that act Of kindness
The scenes and incidents enacted around The
little Enclosure in front Of the Courthouse that
day are indelibly impressed on nay mind
! When we were returning 10 tie command
rode TO the spot where left the wounded man
but he had been removed. There was no grave
anywhere that j could see. i wish some on,
would tell me what became Of him; whether ht
lived or died.-W. w. WILLIAMS, Sergeant, Co
ID, 10th n. Y. Cav, Rome, N. Y.